Can testosterone shots prevent diabetes in men?

University of Sydney researchers are seeking male participants for a novel trial assessing whether regular testosterone shots can prevent type 2 diabetes in men.

The $4.8 million Testosterone for the prevention of Diabetes Mellitus (T4DM) study - the first of its kind in the world - is looking at the potential benefits of treating men with early signs of the condition (pre-diabetes) with testosterone supplements in conjunction with a dedicated weight-loss program.

The researchers are seeking up to 1500 overweight male participants aged 50-74 for this ground-breaking study ranging across NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

Lead investigator, Associate Professor Ann Conway, said men who sign up for the study would have free access to the online weight-loss program run by Weight Watchers.

"An online program is ideal for men who prefer not to attend Weight Watchers meetings," she said.

"The T4DM trial will look into whether diet and testosterone can prevent type 2 diabetes in men who have prediabetes and relatively low testosterone. "We will be recruiting 1500 men who do not yet have diabetes across Australia to join the study, people who exhibit pre-diabetes conditions, such as being overweight around the middle.

"Study participation will last approximately two years and participants will receive free access to Weight Watchers and treatment with either testosterone or placebo.

"By giving testosterone supplements to men in that critical pre-diabetes stage, and by putting them on a dedicated weight-loss program, we hope to see sustained reductions in weight and a reduced chance to develop type 2 diabetes.

"Older men who have developed a large belly and are at risk of diabetes now have an opportunity to do something about their weight, improve their lives, and provide us with all-important research results that could benefit many others in the future."

Dr Conway said in the first six months of study participation, 77 per cent of men lost weight.

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Can testosterone shots prevent diabetes in men?

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